Stardom - 5STAR Grand Prix 2020 (9/13/2020)

6. 5STAR Grand Prix 2020 Block B: Mayu Iwatani vs. Saya Kamitani 

It wasn't as strong as I had hoped, but it was still very good. SayaSaya continues to look very impressive in this tournament. Mayu performed the standing dragon sleeper on a tall opponent for the first time, which was great.

***1/4

7. 5STAR Grand Prix 2020 Block B: Tam Nakano vs. Giulia

Even though this took place in a small venue, it had a big venue atmosphere and both delivered giant-sized performances. Their chemistry has gotten stronger since the previous encounter, with the execution being spotless this time around. Some of the hits were so brutal that the crowd couldn't help but react, despite the no-chants rule.

****1/4

8. 5STAR Grand Prix 2020 Block A: Utami Hayashishita vs. Maika 

This was probably the weakest of their singles matches. Maika looked good as the hometown hero, but I felt Utami’s performance was lacking a spark.

***1/4

Stardom - 5STAR Grand Prix 2020 (Night) (9/12/2020)

 2. 5STAR Grand Prix 2020 Block B: Konami vs. Starlight Kid

This was a burst of action. Little to no downtime as they were just going at it for most of the match, with high speed ropework and counters. There weren’t any particularly strong moments that stood out, but it was a very fun speedy match.

***1/4

8. 5STAR Grand Prix 2020 Block A: Momo Watanabe vs. Utami Hayashishita

This was a great time out draw. They kept the action varied and exciting throughout, and it had plenty of cool moves and sequences. Momo was especially great on offense. Not as good as the New York match, but a great main event between two young wrestlers.

***1/2

Stardom - 5STAR Grand Prix 2020 (Day) (9/12/2020)

 3. 5STAR Grand Prix 2020 Block A: Utami Hayashishita vs. Saya Iida

Good short match. Taking nothing away from Utami's performance, which was strong, but Iida made the match. Iida was working really hard, showing a high workrate with great looking bodywork, transitions and counters.

***1/2

5. 5STAR Grand Prix 2020 Block B: Tam Nakano vs. Saya Kamitani

Another great tournament match from Kamitani, who has been very consistent in this tournament, with one breakout performance after another. It was fast-moving and energetic, and there were cool moments that made effective use of both wrestlers' flexibility.

***1/2

6. 5STAR Grand Prix 2020 Block A: Jungle Kyona vs. Natsuko Tora

Good match to heat up the TCS-Oedo Tai feud. Both wrestlers have a history as teammates and their chemistry was present in the ring. That Jungle Buster sequence was just an amazing display of strength and balance.

***1/4

9. 5STAR Grand Prix 2020 Block A: Syuri vs. AZM

Very good match and one of the best singles matches from Syuri’s Stardom run. They found a good rhythm and were going back and forth with some crisp offense and defense.

***1/2

Stardom - 5STAR Grand Prix 2020 (9/6/2020)

2. 5STAR Grand Prix 2020 Block A: Jungle Kyona vs. Saya Iida

This was a great high-paced striking match between former JAN teammates, that packed a lot of action for its short duration. Iida, who is inspired by Tomohiro Ishii, really nailed his "staggered" selling during the strike exchanges.

***1/2

3. 5STAR Grand Prix 2020 Block B: Himeka vs. Saya Kamitani

I thought it was going to be tough for these two to go the distance in a 20-minute match given their relative inexperience, but they pulled it off beautifully. Their frustration and desperation came through well in their performances and they did an amazing job of keeping the match interesting.

***3/4

Stardom - 5STAR Grand Prix 2020 (9/5/2020)

6. 5STAR Grand Prix 2020 Block B: Giulia vs. Saya Kamitani

I didn't expect these two to match up stylistically as well as they did; their chemistry was excellent. Giulia was the feisty veteran who was trying to fire up the junior Kamitani. The triangle choke counter sequence was super slick and awesome. This match was a great display of Giulia's ability to bring out the best in a less experienced opponent.

***1/2

8. 5STAR Grand Prix 2020 Block B: Mayu Iwatani vs. Konami

Konami has been playing a very aggressive role in singles lately, with targeted offense and convincing submission work. Mayu did a great job of selling and bumping as usual. A strong main event with a great finish.

***3/4

Tokyo Joshi Pro - Tokyo Princess Cup 2020 (8/29/2020)

2. Tokyo Princess Cup 2020 - Semi-Finals: Mizuki vs. Maki Itoh

This was a story-driven match, but the audience couldn't react in any way other than to applaud so it didn't come across as strong. Mizuki's positioning seemed off at moments, her face-lock transitions were slow and weak. She didn't have a good performance here. Itoh was about the level you’d expect, and had a couple of cool headbutt spots.

3. Tokyo Princess Cup 2020 - Semi-Finals: Shoko Nakajima vs. Miyu Yamashita

This was really good. A step-up from their title match last year, but with a weaker finish. Miyu used her size and strength to brutally impose her will on the smaller opponent. There were some creative spots that I've never seen from either performer before, and that German Suplex was one of the sickest bumps I've ever seen in TJPW.

***3/4

6. Tokyo Princess Cup 2020 - Finals: Shoko Nakajima vs. Mizuki

This was a great tournament final. Shoko and Mizuki really work well together, as you can see from their previous matches. High level technical wrestling and high flying, innovative in both offense and defense, and an exciting apron battle. These two bring out the best in each other.

****

Mei Suruga vs. SAKI (ChocoPro, 8/22/2020)

 ChocoPro - #42 (8/22/2020)

Mei Suruga vs. SAKI

An amazing match that defied expectations. The best match I've ever seen from ChocoPro, with SAKI, who is an underrated but skilled and clever wrestler, giving one of her finest performances. Mei kept the match lively with her character work and distinct charm. The counter-wrestling between them was both innovative and exciting to watch.

****1/4